Attention or Discipline?

I recently read a blurb on one of the few education blogs I sometimes follow that read, "those students that act out the most in class are often the ones in most need of your (the teachers) attention". I immediately laughed aloud thinking there must be an epidemic of students across Eastern North Carolina, and probably the United States, in dire need of attention that they are not receiving from the traditional places like parents, friends, coaches, and religious and community leaders...etc. I am not so naive as to realize that there are indeed some students that have miserable home lives, little or no friends, and almost no support whatsoever from outside sources. However, I think the actual number of those students are far less than many in the popular media would have us believe.

In my opinion there are many factors that have contributed to the increase of students acting out in class, but getting attention from the teacher ranks near the bottom of that list. What ranks near the top of that list is the lack of discipline in the home, and the fact that as educators our hands are essentially tied in terms of discipline. Many parents have become unwilling or unable to discipline their children in the home. I can think of several students that I teach this year that have been written up several times for various disciplinary infractions and are failing one or multiple subjects, and yet they return from the Holiday break with the latest  iphones and $200 shoes. What exactly is the message being sent to the students? Another lovely example of the downfall of parental discipline that has occurred over the years is when I call or email a parent about their child's misbehavior or "acting out", and the response I frequently get is, "Well what did you do to make him or her do that?". Uhhhhh....what!???? Had I done 1/10th of what students get away with today my dad would have beaten me until he got tired, and then I would have been grounded until solid proof was provided to him that both my grades and behavior had improved.

Many parents are simply not disciplining their children, and to often make matters worse those same parents frequently reward their children for doing things they're suppose to do. The system has been flipped upside. The students are at this point, and have been for quite awhile, very aware of the fact that their parents are not going to discipline them and that teachers have been reduced to glorified, robotic, babysitters that must adhere to the nonsense of the new Common Core Standards. The only attention I think some students need is a well placed series of powerful throat punches, but I'll save the remainder of my tirade for another blog. Dinner's ready! Have an excellent week!

-Sty

2013...the year that was

2013 was quite a year full of many personal and professional ups and downs. Like most previous years there were wonderful moments of overwhelming joy, a few gut wrenching moments of total sadness, and a whole lot of every other emotion thrown into this mix we call life. It was not until I sat down to write this, and reflect on the year that was that I realized I had not posted anything here since last February. This is funny because one of my resolutions for 2013 was to write and post a blog at least once or twice a month....so that didn't exactly work out. A major reason for this resolution not panning out the way I intended is because I fell in love with another outlet to help relieve my stresses. The outlet = running. I'll begin looking back at the year that was by starting with my personal life, and what better way to begin than to talking about running.

2013 Personal Reflection -

Anyone who has spent any amount of time with me through middle and high school, and over the past 14 years or so know that working out (lifting weights, running, playing basketball) are all things I love doing. For awhile life got in the way and my workouts were not keeping up with my eating, and I ballooned to a lovely 276 lbs. As my doctor once affectionately told me, "You look like a pile of mashed potatoes with a peanut (my head) sitting on top of it." or as one of my 8th grade students once said after seeing a picture of me beside pictures of his other teachers, "Mr. Styron, how come you got the biggest body, but the smallest head?". Go ahead...laugh it up! Anyway, roughly 2 years ago I decided to recommit myself to working out and running. It became and has remained an obsession. It is a permanent part of my days, weeks, and life. In fact, I often over train because I become incredibly uncomfortable taking a day off even though the sane part of my brain knows it is necessary. Not to brag, but I dropped to a lovely 226 lbs. and actually changed the formation of my entire body thanks to doing a ton of muscle confusion workouts via crossfit, completely changing how I lift weights, and last but not least got serious about my running. Now the comments I get from my doctor and students are more along the lines of, "You really don't need to lose anymore weight" or "Why is your head so big?".

Near the end of 2012 is when I had really upped my running game, and I began to realize I missed the competitiveness of sports that I used to get playing basketball. One of my resolutions for 2013 was to run and compete in at least four 5K races. I ended up racing in 8 or 9. Running is awesome. Running is painfully beautiful, and it is often the best part of my day. One of my resolutions for 2014 will be to try out some 10K's and continue to improve.

Aside from those changes, which I mentioned first, because so much about me getting in better shape physically has led to me being in better shape in other aspects of my life...particularly mentally and emotionally. Some of the more memorable 'good' moments of 2013 include buying and settling into a house that is beyond what I could have ever imagined possible when I was growing up, and reuniting with a long lost stepsister from my dad's second marriage. From the age of 5 to the time I was nearly 11 my stepsister and I were incredibly close. That time of my life was as close as I would ever get to knowing what a 'real family' was supposed to be. I had thought of her many times over the years wondering what ever happened to her, her other sister, and their mom. Did she (or they) ever wonder what happened to my sister and I after we were literally moved overnight from Georgia to North Carolina? What had happened in their lives over the years? Unbelievably, I was able to get the answers to some of these questions and more this past summer when we were reunited after 26 years apart thanks to Facebook. We're slowly trying to rebuild or build a new relationship.

Some of the 'bad' moments of 2013 were the deaths of our 2 cats, Callie and Tuna. Callie had been in our lives since before my wife and I were married, and Big Tuna had been with us for 8 years or so. Both of their deaths were surprisingly difficult to deal with, but paled in comparison to the death of my beloved Lu Lu. Our Boston Terrier, and my dream dog, that was given to me as a 6 week old puppy during Christmas of 2000. She passed away in late June of this year, and I'll freely admit it destroyed me to the core. She was the best. There were of course many other events that occurred in 2013 on a personal level that were good, bad, and everything in between, but those are for other posts.

2013 Professional Reflection -

Professionally 2013 has been good. I'm still doing what I feel like I was born to do which of course is teaching. I've taken on more responsibilities at the middle school where I teach, and I'm trying like hell to adjust to the major changes that continue to disrupt and alter public education in North Carolina. My other job at the community college teaching 'adults' has been an interesting experience to say the least, but I enjoy it for the most part. With all that said there have definitely been times throughout 2013 in which I felt that I wasn't fully using what I consider my strengths as a teacher. At times I have felt that I was not reaching my potential as an educator, that I could and should be doing more as an educator, and trying to decide if what I can and want to do can even occur in a public school in North Carolina with all the changes that have been made. Time will tell.

Once again I'm resolving to get this blog back to it's former glory by writing and posting more about my life as a teacher and life in general. Please become a follower if you are not already, and look forward to as many laughs as I can provide for you in the future. All the best that life has to offer to you and yours in 2014.

-Sty

Why teach?

"Why am I even here?"  It is a question I have been asking myself a lot more often than I would like to admit this school year, but after a few deep breaths I always remember.  It is the thoughts that go through my head at the times I find myself questioning what I really consider to be my calling in life that is the purpose of this blog.  If you are currently a teacher I hope that some of the things I share with you in this blog will help you the next time you are feeling overrun and under appreciated which unfortunately seems to be occurring more and more. 

As anyone who has spent any significant amount of time in a classroom teaching can attest, it is truely one of the most difficult, challenging, stressful, demanding, and time consuming occupations one can have.  In fact, one of the major reasons I've been unable to write since August is because I simply have not found the time to do so.  So bothersome was this to me that one of my many New Year's resolutions was to write and post at least 2 blogs a month.  Well...I completely bypassed the month of January and February is nearly over, but better late than never.  Hopefully, I will make myself stay on track now that I've begun.  Another thing people who have taught in the public school system will verify is the fact that the meager monetary compensation forces many to either work multiple jobs or leave the profession altogether. So again I pose the question, "Why teach?"

As teachers we are among the most educated people in society, but also among the lowest paid and most under appreciated.  We are constantly belittled and put down by many in society at large.  We are disrespected consistently by students, parents, and members of the media. We are tremendously overworked and underpaid.  I have a Master's Degree from one of the finest teaching universities in America and I am in my sixth year of teaching still making a first year teacher salary.  I have had either a part-time job or been lucky enough to pick up contracted jobs doing odds and ends to help supplement my pitiful income, so that has helped.  The problem is that I don't think I, or any teacher for that matter, should have to do anything other than teach.  So once again I ask the question, "Why teach?" 

I have several responses to this question.  The following are the things I remind myself of during those stressful moments when I find myself wanting to either run full speed into rush hour traffic wearing a blindfold, or throw some students off the tallest building around.  I hope they help you.

1) Arrogant or Delusional? -

I am quite simply arrogant enough to believe that I can actually fix all the many things wrong in and about my students while also providing them with the educational foundation they each need to succeed at the next level. Some consider this way of thinking as more delusional than arrogant, but I think that anyone who chooses, and truly loves teaching, has to have some sort of 'Save the World' mentality in order to be successful.

2) If not me...then who? -

There comes a point in which the metaphorical buck can only be passed so far before someone makes a stand. As educators I think one of the many responsibilities we accept is that the buck must stop with us. Obviously society, many parents, and many aspects of modern pop culture are failing our children, so it is placed upon our (teachers) shoulders to right all the wrongs. Teachers are constantly on the front lines in a never ending battle to save our students from the damage caused by their far too often horrible home lives, a pop culture that continually glorifies that which should not see the light of day, and a society that I feel not only promotes, but encourages a sense of entitlement in so many of our students. Students constantly want to be praised for doing the things they are suppose to do...

"Mr. Styron, I did my homework!!" says little Johnny, who then stares blankly at me with a confused grin on his face as if I should notify the press and throw him a parade.

"Mr. Styron, if I behave today what do I get?!!"...how about if you behave I will not feel the need to repeatedly punch you in the throat?

The point is that if no one else is going to help our students realize how backward their thinking has become we are essentially doomed as a society. This is another reason I choose to teach.

3) I'm meant to do this.

Ever since the lottery became legal in the state of North Carolina I've frequently been asked what I would do if I ever won.  Well, I'd do a lot...but that's for another blog.  What I tell people always garners me stranger than normal looks, because I tell them I would continue to teach.  Perhaps not in the public school system, but I would definitely find somewhere to teach. I have to do it. I love it. It is like breathing.  Are there bad days? Absolutely! In fact, the bad days are terrible, but there are also many good days.  Just like the bad days are terrible, the good days are unbelievably awesome!!  The key is to have more good days than bad, and typically it works out that way.

4) We are getting through to our kids.

As educators we often become so bogged down in the mountains of paperwork and seemingly endless, neverending, and mostly pointless meetings that we lose sight of why we began teaching in the first place.  It was to make a positive difference in the lives of our students.  As I noted earlier the hours and salary certainly aren't a draw.  This fact was driven home to me just today in a wonderful handwritten note I received from a student.  For the past 8 years my wife and I have coached the track and field division (ages 21 and up) of the Pitt County Special Olympics, and for four of those years I have been taking students with me each Saturday to experience the joy it brings me.  A student I took this past Saturday wrote the following things:

"Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to help volunteer at the Special Olympics. It was extremely fun."

"It didn't just make my day, it made my life."

"I really do think you inspire your students..."

"You really look out for your students..."

"You are the reason I want to teach...I want to make an impact on my students, and make them enjoy school. You have done that for me."

It is these types of things that keep us all coming back for more.  As the old saying goes, "Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life."

Being Grateful

I want to begin this blog by stating that in many ways I am writing this largely for myself, but decided to take the chance of letting others read it despite the embarrassment involved and the hell I'm likely to catch for some of it's admitted sappiness.  Over the past 3 1/2 - 4 years I have been trying desperately to transform myself in every way possible in order to become the best version of myself. In many ways I have far exceeded any expectations I began with, while in other areas I continue to deal with my fair share of struggles and personal demons. If we are all honest with ourselves I think that a lot of people experience something similar to what I just described with varying results, successes and failures, and ups and downs. I think that what means the most however is that we each never give up on the process of trying to be the best person we can be. One area of my life I feel I have become much more successful at is being positive and thinking positive. While those of you that know me well and are reading this are probably laughing your ass off right now please allow me the chance to elaborate. For years I disguised, and not very well, my negative thoughts and cynicism with the phrase, "I'm not negative, I'm just being realistic". In fact, the only thing I was being realistic about was that I was only fooling myself.  I have put in a lot of work over the past 2 months really getting myself in tune with positive thoughts, looking at the good side of things, and enjoying the journey of life...simply life itself.

One of the things that really helped me flip the script was to take stock of where my life is at this moment and to physically write down all the things, experiences, and people I have in my life for which I am so very, very, grateful.  The idea being of course that the more one focuses his or her energy on all the positive things in their lives the more those positive things will replicate and continue within your life. You must understand that negativity and negative thinking only have the power in your life that you allow it to have. I'm no self help guru, but I know from personal experience that there is nothing truer than the two previous sentences. Below I have included some of those things, experiences, and people in my life for which I am so very appreciative. After reading my list I strongly encourage you to write your own. Despite the perceived 'hokeyness' of doing the activity, I think you'll amaze yourself with how it changes your perceptions. After all, reality is perception.

Things I'm thankful for:
My good health
My wonderful, and sometimes highly annoying, pets: Lu Lu, Callie, & Big Tuna.
My job(s).
My education.
My ability to make others laugh...it has come in handy during the best & worst of times.
My work ethic.
My honesty and loyalty to others(not sure I've always been as honest with myself as I should have been)
That I'm right handed.
That I'm tall..ish.
That I'm fairly well proportioned...meaning most people never believe how much I really weigh. :)
How I handle adversity.
...you get the idea of how this should go.

Experiences I'm thankful for:
My terrible childhood, because I wouldn't be who I am today without having gone through hell.
All the incredibly stupid decisions I have made in life for the same reason as above.
That I was able to attend my grandfather's funeral.
That I was able to see and speak with my Grandmother shortly before she passed.
That they were both able to see that I had turned my life around, was making something out of myself, and would have a good life.
Making my grandparents laugh.
My dad for taking/getting custody of me and my sister when we were young. It was bad, but could have been much worse.
My mom never wanting anything to do with me. It taught me early in life that I am how I perceive myself, and not how others perceive me.
Growing up poor, because it taught me to never take anything for granted. It also taught me early in life the senseless value that many people place on money.
Hanging out with my nephews any chance I get.
Every time I get to play basketball
That on one wonderful day at old Fort Pulaski an alligator was chilling by the moat.
...again you get the idea of how this should go.

People I'm thankful for:
My grandfather. Without his presence and support while growing up neither me or my sister would have survived intact.
My grandmother. I'm so much like her in so many ways that it's frightening.

All the really good friends I've had throughout my life. In more ways than one my friends were essentially my family growing up. All have helped me become the person I am today. I'll list a few and if you're not on the list it does not mean that you were any less important to me...I simply can't write all day.
Taco...yes we called him Taco. My very best bud growing up in Savannah, GA. Taco was a black kid. I was a white kid. It made no difference to us, because we instantly hit it off and were inseparable next door neighbors for the better part of 5 years. He taught me more about humor and race relations than anyone I've ever met since.
Fuzz...yes we call him Fuzz. We've known each other for over 25 years now, and long ago I quit referring to him as a friend. He is my brother.
Temple...yes his name was Temple. I write was because he unfortunately passed away in 1998. He was simply an awesome guy, great to hang out with, and had such a unique way about him that you couldn't help but to love him. I'll be forever grateful to Temple. His terribly sad and unexpected passing is the main reason I am here today as his passing led me to make decisions in life I would not have had the courage to make before he passed.
My father...for showing me all the ways not to be in life.
My mother...for continually avoiding contact with me. It made me tougher.
My sister. Without her around when I growing up I would have had no reason to try to keep it together. The responsibility to raise and take care of her outweighed my own concerns.
My nephews. They are both a lot like me which of course means they're awesome. I'm so thankful that they have gotten so many opportunities in life that I was never able to have and I'm incredibly proud of both of them.
My in-laws. Almost since day one they have accepted me as their own...well maybe not day one. The first time I met my father-in-law I was wearing 2 silver hoop earrings, and I don't think that went over well. All jokes aside they have been above and beyond anything I could have ever hoped for or imagined. They showed me what it means to be in a family and part of a family. I hope they realize and understand the tremendous impact they have had in my life. I know I don't really do a good job of showing it. (I'll add that to my list of things to work on)

It seems like I'm forgetting someone...ah yes...the wifey. I intentionally saved this one for last because I'm not quite sure where to begin or end, so I'll just start and see what happens. Not really sure if anyone on planet earth could have ever imagined that we would have matched up at the times in our lives when we did, but I'm glad we did. Everything good and positive about my life over the past 12 years has been a direct result of her. Forgive the horrible cliche, but she has made me a much better man than I could have ever believed possible. I like to believe I helped her to achieve great things as well. I'm also grateful for her because where I am weak she is strong and vice versa. She continually pushes me to go further when I would have been content staying put which always works out for the best. She has provided the inspiration and courage to do things in my life that I would never have attempted were it not for her...I could go on and on, but I want to go ahead and stop before some of you actually throw up on your computers.

At any rate, if you find the time to sit down and compile a list such as the one I just did I can once again assure you that you'll not soon regret it. All the best and stay positive!

The Magic Words

I once had several interesting discussions with a wise man some years ago...and I wasn't talking to myself.  We discussed many topics during our conversations such as family drama, growing up, important decisions we all face in life, regrets...etc.  Of all the things we talked about one topic, and one thing this man said to me, has really helped me enjoy aspects of my life that I had not previously.  I would like to share parts of our conversation and the three key words he said to me that changed my life for the positive. I hope it helps you as much as it has helped me.

At some point in our many conversations we began discussing aspects of my personality, specifically things I previously referred to as pet peeves.  The man I was speaking with called them quality of life destroyers! There is a huge difference in those two statements, so allow me to explain his reasoning.  For as long as I can remember I've hated certain types of change. I intend to devote an upcoming blog on my life's struggle with dealing with change and what I feel is its origins, but for now just know that there was and continues to be some forms of change I'm simply not comfortable with.  I feel I do my best and am most content when I have structured routines and habits.  Things that disrupt my habits and daily routines used to really annoy me.  Though I'm far from cured thanks to the 3 magic words I promised to share with you I have learned to deal much better with not only change, but life in general.

I hope at this point you just asked yourself, "So what are the 3 magic words!?". I can't reveal them yet, but rest assured they are not far away.  For now here's 2 words for you, "keep reading".  When asked for an example of how and/or why change bothers me I brought up the issue of travel.  I love visiting new places, trying new foods, and learning about various cultures, but with that said I must also confess that before hearing and absorbing the 3 magic words I absolutely hated, dreaded, despised, and loathed the actual process of travel itself.  From long drives in the car, waiting in never ending lines, traffic, packing and unpacking, and any of the other multitude of obstacles that come with flying.  After hearing this the man replied, "How can you say you love travel when you hate doing all the things you just mentioned?". My reply was "Well...once I get there I'm great. I just hate getting there".  Just as I rewrote those words I realize what a complete idiot I must have sounded like.  I realize now that what I really disliked was how the act of traveling disrupted the habits and routines that I thrive in.  Once at the destination I could unpack and fall back into my habits and routines.

The remainder of this post is a paraphrase of what he then said to me along with the 3 magic words.  We each only get one shot at life. One of the very few things we actually have control over throughout our life times are the choices we each make. Our lives are made up of choices. We can choose to be miserable or happy. We can choose to be mean or nice. We can choose to turn left or right. You get the picture. The point is the one life that we're each given goes by so very fast, and so many of us choose to look at the negative instead of the positive. I used to look at nothing but the negative aspects of traveling, just as many of you out there may only look at the negatives of something in your own life.  Instead of always thinking about the negative try this...choose to just... "enjoy the journey."

Where's my $700,000?

Less than a couple of months ago much of the United States and the world was outraged that a 68 year old volunteer bus monitor was verbally abused and ridiculed by a group of seventh grade students.  While it is certainly a deplorable act committed by these students the aftermath of the event and overwhelming response of the public made me question some things.  For those not familiar with the story the verbal abuse suffered by the bus monitor at the hands of the seventh grade students made national and world news when cell phone recorded video of the incident became public.  The bus monitor was then flocked with an outpouring of condolences, well wishes, and...a LOT OF MONEY from people all over the country and the world.  How much money? According to news reports I read just this morning she has now raked in $703,873 and that figure continues to grow.  More power to the bus monitor, but the questions the event left me to ponder are...

Why was the general public so shocked and disturbed that this occurred?

For those of you not familiar with what occurs daily in our schools here's a newsflash: 

TEACHERS, CUSTODIANS, ADMINISTRATION, CAFETERIA STAFF, COACHES, AND SOME STUDENTS ARE VERBALLY ABUSED AND RIDICULED BY OTHER STUDENTS NEARLY EVERYDAY!!

The days when all students, particularly at the middle school level and beyond, were respectful to adults simply because they're adults has long passed. It may be time for the general public to get a clue. 

As a middle school teacher I have been cussed at and cussed out. I have been made fun of by students, and I have even come darn close to being hit by a student. My situation is not unique by any stretch of the imagination as the vast majority of my co-workers have all experienced similar happenings. It is precisely for these reasons that I am having such a difficult time understanding what the public really thinks happens in schools. Are they (the public) so disillusioned that they believe the event with the bus monitor is an isolated incident? If so, then God help us all, because we are in serious trouble!! 

My take...I think deep down in their hearts the general public knows full well what is occurring in our schools, but they have previously felt helpless to try to change things. Just as teachers have no real power in the classroom due to the far reaches of political correctness and a plethora of frivolous lawsuits brought against school boards across the country everyone has become paralyzed by fear. It is in that very fear that the student's power to say, do, and get away with any and everything at school flourishes. The students fully understand there is nothing we (the teachers) can really do to punish them, so we have essentially created an 'inmates run the institution' situation in public schools across America. I believe the public's outpouring of support for the bus monitor was born partly out of compassion for what happened and partly out of guilt. The public knew that by supporting the bus monitor they could rid themselves of some of the guilt they must surely feel for the plight of powerless teachers across the nation.

Why the outrage for this particular event?  

Obviously it was because this incident was videotaped and played repeatedly across the world. Since this happened I have many times wished that I had videotaped evidences of the many verbal assaults I have been the victim of. I could certainly use hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Can the general public possibly be so naive about what occurs in schools across this country day in and day out? 

Yes. Yes they can!

Lastly, where is my outpouring of public support and financial compensation for the emotional and psychological suffering that I and so many other teachers like me have to deal with each and every day?

I guess that's for me to continue to ponder and the public and government to one day answer.

Signs You're Going to Have a Long School Year

Now that I have more than several years of teaching experience under my belt, I have figured out along the way some sure fire signs that all teachers can look for...signs that they are going to have a very long year.  The vast majority of signs rear their ominous heads during the last couple days of August right before the school year is set to begin anew once again.  If you happen to be unfortunate enough to have at least three of the following things occur during that time you will very likely have to tap into every ounce of stored optimism you have in order to survive the nine months that follow.  If everything on the following list actually happens to you prior to the start of school...May. God. Have. Mercy. On. Your. Soul!

Signs You Are Going to Have a Long Year:

1) You get your class roster & whenever you see the student's teachers from the year before they do one
     of 3 things... avoid direct eye contact with you, point at you and laugh hysterically, or help you find a
     nice quiet place to cry.
2) You pull your student's cum folders and they are all 4 to 5 inches thick.
3) You have multiple students on probation.
4) No students or their parents make an appearance during open house.
5) If you do have students and parents show up to open house and the first thing the parent does is
    whisper something like the following to you "Well look, let me tell you about Johnny".
6) The parents show up to open house wearing a muu-muu and house slippers...typically their hair will
     appear to have been in a fight with a stick of dynamite and loss.
7) You ask a student a simple question at open house such as "What's your name?" and they respond,
     while staring awkwardly at a spot on the wall "Huh?"
8) When the parent is filling out their contact information at open house their email is something
     like...lilboomboombooty@  or makinitclap@  or  ihatemychildsteacheralready@...
9) The parents look at your 'needed materials' list which consists of a composition book and a pencil as
     if they are going to have to take out a second mortgage on their home in order to buy them.
10) The principal comes to talk to you about your upcoming class dynamics.
11) The school resource officer comes to talk to you about your upcoming class dynamics.
12) Your new student's various probation officers come to talk to you about your upcoming class
       dynamics.

13) The school secretary calls you to the front office to let you know how many sick days you have
       available in the coming year, and gives you the list of subs that will refuse to cover for the group of
       students you're about to get.
14) You recieve a multitude of sympathy cards in your box prior to the start of the year.

Anyway, I hope by now you get the picture and know what to look for as we quickly approach the start of another new school year.  I hope you enjoyed!!

Are We Preparing Students for Careers or Prison?

A wise man once said, "It is better to laugh than to cry." This man was obviously talking about the teaching profession.

Though it is early in the school year a question has been bouncing around in my head since the earliest of summer meetings, and has remained with me as I have struggled through what has seemed like endless meetings and mountains of new paperwork created in the name of "teacher accountability". The question...are we (teachers) preparing our students for careers or prison? The reason I ask is simply because I have noticed how our schools are increasingly becoming more like prisons than places of learning.

Here are some examples for your thoughts and amusement:

1. Of course the students are the inmates.
2. The teaching staff are the correctional officers.
3. The principal is the warden.
4. The students have yard time, but it is called P.E.
5. Good behavior of the inmates/students is encouraged through different programs...in prison the  
    inmates get time off for good behavior...at school the students get rewards.
6. Both students and inmates are required to wear uniforms.
7. Both students and inmates are herded from place to place by the teachers/correctional officers.
8. Both students and inmates are served unsavory meals.
9. Both students and inmates have rules and procedures that must be followed. If not, prisoners are put
    into isolation. At school, the students are isolated in 'Chill-Out'.
10. Students bring weapons to school. Prisoners make weapons.
11. Both students and prisoners are constantly creating new ways to get around and/or bend the
      institutional rules.
12. Both students and prisoners are sexually harrassed by one another.
13. Like in prisons, the correctional officers have as little power as teachers do in the school system.
      Anyone who has spent any amount of time in either a school or prison know that the
      students/prisoners really run the facility.

I am sure there are more you could add to this list, but I want to get to the one I chose not to list because for me it is the most troubling and therefore deserves more discussion than those listed above. Once people are processed through the prison system, they are each assigned a number. From the government's viewpoint the prisoner's identity has been all but stripped and replaced by a number. Well guess what? The same exact thing is occurring in our school systems, but no one seems to notice or care. As school systems focus increasingly on the results of high stakes testing and teacher accountability, the students are being stripped of their identity and are being replaced by a number. The students no longer have names, unique identities and situations, but instead they are all referred to as whatever their predictor EOG score is or if they are a 1, 2, 3, or 4. Very often throughout the school year the teachers/correctional officers hear the principal/warden discuss ways to improve the scores of the 1's, 2's, and low 3's.

What we do not hear is that each of our students are unique individuals with unique, and often, horrifying circumstances resulting from living in poverty, being constantly bullied, being sexually, physically, and verbally abused on a daily basis. Why don't we hear about things such as this?

THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In North Carolina's effort to 'race to the top' the very ones we are trying to help (the students) are the ones that are suffering the most. Sure, I would love to receive better pay for what I do...I think all teachers would, but I also know that teachers did not get into this profession to get rich. We became educators to change student's lives, and we are increasingly NOT being allowed to do that.

When do we cut the crap and get back to what really matters?

Calling All Adults

While I agree with the definition of collaboration from the textbook Teaching Students with Special Needs in Inclusive Classrooms that, "...a key ingredient of the efforts of inclusive schools is to meet the needs of all students in different settings and activities” (Bryant et al 2008, 302), I also feel collaboration must take on a much broader meaning when discussed in terms of education. By that I am largely referring to the growing absence of parental involvement in their children’s education. Are we really making a meaningful impact in the lives of our students if the parental support for education and learning does not exist? In my opinion the answer is no. The impact of collaboration is greatly reduced when everyone at the child’s school is doing everything they can to ensure the student is receiving a quality education, but then the student goes home to an educationally non – supportive environment. This leads us to the idea of ‘shared responsibility’. A child needs every adult in their life to be on the same page. In many respects the old adage, “it takes a village to raise a child” has never had as much meaning as it does within the current circumstances of our educational system.

Even though I believe the concept of shared responsibility should be the same across the board for any and everyone involved in a child’s life I am also wise enough to realize that this rarely, if ever, actually occurs. From burned out teachers to ill conceived government policies and from the growing problem of absentee fathers to the pop culture/technological society that promotes instant gratification we must begin to understand as citizens of this country and the world that we are losing an entire generation of young adults who despite their seemingly apathetic nature are actually desperately searching for and wanting structure, consistency, education, and love in their lives. For this to occur it is vital that we (as educators) have the full support of our student’s parents.

Unfortunately and sadly, parental involvement and the importance placed on education by many of the parents of the students I teach simply does not exist. For many parents their view of school is a place to send their children for eight hours a day, because the government tells them they have to. There is very little, if any, importance placed on their children’s education. It is difficult to deal with, as some children are caught in the crossfire of mixed messages. At school they are disciplined and repeatedly told how important receiving an education can be to their future, and yet when they get home they are receiving messages from other adults in their lives that completely contradict what is being told to them at school. Not to mention the lack of discipline occurring in many of the homes of our students. One personal example that still aggravates me is when one of our students was suspended for repeated disruptions of class, and while driving home the next day I saw the student out riding his bicycle and having a great time playing with his friends. Where is the discipline from the parents?

Finally, I believe that when any group of people agrees to work together for the betterment of a child or students that there will naturally arise situations in which not everyone agrees. In my opinion it is crucial to the welfare of the student that the adults work through their issues in a responsible and constructive way so as to demonstrate to the students the proper way of working together to achieve a greater goal.

-a journey of 10,000 miles begins with one step

Super Quotes from a Super Student

The person who is responsible for sending me the following hilarious quotes knows who he is and I thank him once again.  Before you read these real quotes spoken by a real student I want you to know that my only wish would be for you to actually see the student who says these things, because it would make what you're about to read even funnier. All I'm at liberty to say is that he is an 11 year old country boy. I promise all my faithful readers that all of the following quotes are real. Enjoy and I hope you get a laugh....

You see my sister, she may look nice but the devil is in her soul!

What's that word?   "Bangladesh"
Ok, because I don't speak i-raqi!

I'm a true carnivore, because I know my meats.

I can't take ritalin, it makes me see things that aren't there...


I shot a mouse in the head with my bb gun...then my dog ate it

I caught a mouse once with my bare hand, you have to be quick and quiet

I like badminton because I am good at it

You know the song by Michael Jackson "somebody's watching me," my mom got drunk and sang it in a bar

I am a husky boy (smiling)

And finally...
Don't approach a donkey from the rear, a bull from the front, or a fool from any direction!

Hope that put a smile on your face! :)

Vocational Program Anyone?

This just in! Newsflash! Newsflash! In case anyone out there was unaware, not every student that enters our classroom each day is destined for college. 1) Some students quite simply do not have what it takes to get into college, particularly at the university level, and 2) some students quite simply have absolutely no desire to attend college.

Want to prevent and/or decrease drop out rates? BRING BACK VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND GIVE OUR STUDENTS SOME FRIGGIN OPTIONS.  IF WE PROMOTE AND NURTURE OUR STUDENTS INTEREST, THEY WILL STAY IN SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Successful versus Unsuccessful

Before I begin I would like to apologize to myself and my few, but passionate, faithful followers for my lack of blogs in recent months.  Without boring you to tears, I'll just say that I've been very busy. I have made a promise to myself to write at least one blog a week from now on. I think I can, I think I can....

It is said that your first year of teaching is the most difficult.  Whoever says these things have also said that one of the best things about teaching is that you can always start fresh each year.  I bring all this up because my experience this school year has included aspects reminiscence of my first year in that I went from teaching 7th grade to 8th grade.  I've also had to adjust to working with new colleagues (principal included) and a new curriculum. As I have mentioned in previous blogs, teaching the same students two years in a row has had both advantages and disadvantages. All in all I feel like teaching the same students from last year has made me a much better teacher, primarily because it has forced me to think outside the box.  Essentially, I was not afforded the gift of a fresh start this year.  I began the year knowing most of the students very well and vice versa.  Again, this provides advantages and disadvantages...if you're a teacher I think you can infer what these are.

The purpose for bringing all this up is to say that I decided before this school year began to use this year to try many different teaching and classroom management strategies.  As with most things in life there have been ups and downs.  One of the positives is that I really feel like I have a better understanding of what it takes to be a successful student at the middle school level.  Of course that means I also feel like I have a better understanding of what it takes to be an unsuccessful student at the middle school level. Please enjoy my breakdown, and feel free to add, subtract, agree, or disagree with anything on my lists.

Successful students...
                                 listen and obey directions
                                 follow rules and procedures
                                 complete all assignments on time
                                 are intrinsically motivated
                                 having caring and supportive parents
                                 value education
                                 study
                                 apply themselves
                               
Unsuccessful students...
                                 rarely listen and/or follow directions
                                 pick and choose what rules and procedures to follow (if any)
                                 Pick and choose what assignments to complete and
                                 whether or not to turn them in
                                 are motivated by receiving incentives for doing stuff
                                 they are supposed to do anyway
                                 have uncaring and nonsupportive parents
                                 place little or no value on education
                                 cannot even spell the word study
                                 are lethargic superstars

Here's Some Data For You!

With so much focus being placed on the importance of data and data driven instruction in today's public schools, I can only hope that the 'powers that be' realize that despite their best efforts there will never exist  any data that will ever show or tell...

how much teachers sacrifice for their students.

the massive amount of time that teachers spend not in celebrating most of their student's wonderful achievements, but in agonizing over the one kid that they were never able to reach.

Nor can a number, score, or statistic ever show how much of a positive impact a teacher has had on a student that...

comes to school each day to enjoy the one meal he or she will likely get for the entire day

only recieves kind words, safety, and love when in that teacher's classroom

is regularly abused at home

has to spend his or her nights making sure their drunk father does not beat up their mom when he gets home

lives in abject poverty

The list could go on and on, but from my perspective what is most important to understand and remember is that within the public school's current obsession with data and data driven instruction is the fact that behind each of those numbers, decimal points, bar graphs, and fancy excel spread sheets is a student and a teacher. A student that could be having the best childhood of anyone on earth, or a student that is experiencing things daily that most of us would not wish on our worst enemy.  Behind those numbers are also teachers...a few of which burned out years ago and could care less, but so many more that passionately sacrifice their time, money, sweat, family, and yes tears to make sure that every single student that steps into their classroom each day walks out a better person than they were before.

What if...

What if...

the very last option for reducing the state's massive debt was to make cuts in an already struggling education system?

North Carolina was not ranked 31st in average public school teacher salaries?

more parents gave a flying rip how the continued budgetary shortfalls are affecting their children's education by forcing the most qualified educators to find employment elsewhere?

all the members of the North Carolina General Assembly took a 20-30% paycut?

each parent in this state was required to spend 2 full weeks per school year in the classroom with the teachers?

each member of the North Carolina General Assembly was required to spend 2 full weeks per school year in the classroom?

the average joe knew how much dedicated educators give of themselves, time, and money in the slightest hope that we can make a difference in at least one kid's life?

teachers were allowed to educate students in the classroom, instead of teaching students only the skills needed to pass an EOG (end of grade) test?

all students cared as much about their learning as teachers do?

all parents cared as much about their child's learning as teachers do?

North Carolina General Assembly members cared as much about the state's children as teachers do?

What if...?
What if...?
What if...?

As a wise old man once told me, "What if the Queen had balls?", you guessed it...she'd be King!

The Bus Stop pt. 3

Before reading part 3 I would suggest you go back and reread part 1 from August 26th and part 2 from September 8th. Enjoy part 3 and be sure to become a follower if you're not already. Part 4 will be here before you know it. :)

Since last week my world has flipped upside down…literally and figuratively. Since last week there is not much I wouldn’t give to return to my once boring, but beautifully predictable life. As I’m rotated upside down in an attempt to use traction to heal my broken back (I was serious about my world literally turning upside down) I cannot help but think how one day I’m a nobody going through life’s daily highs and lows; one day later I’ve become an urban legend. You have undoubtedly read or listened to several different versions of what happened last week at the bus stop. Though I’m sure the people who were there believe in their heart of hearts that what they saw actually happened, I must respectfully ask you to ignore all you’ve read or heard as I’m about to relay what really happened.


Before I begin I must admit that throughout so much of my life I have never been particularly religious, but if there is a higher power I mustn’t go any further without thanking him or her for blessing me with a nurse caring, or perhaps curious enough, to listen and record my story as it truly happened. Another in my long list of injuries obtained from last week’s ‘incident’ is the fact that I’m told I fractured both eye sockets. The terrible swelling has rendered me temporarily blind, but luckily I am still able to speak and hear relatively well during the fleeting moments of consciousness I have had since I arrived.

I never know how long I will be conscious, but once I’m aware enough to do so I call for the nurse. Ideally, the nurse whom I’ve begun to tell the true story of what occurred last week is on duty and has time to transcribe my version of what occurred for however long I’m awake. Unfortunately, the nurse only comes about half the time I call. Other nurses I do not care to speak with float in and out, but I remain quiet. At any rate…enough about how you are able to read this, and onto The Bus Stop as I like to call the incident.

Though the city of Savannah is quite car friendly, despite it’s size and population, I have been taking the bus to and from work for the past several years for really no other reason than the fact that it’s cheaper, and other than work I do not really have anywhere to go or anyone to see. Roughly two weeks before the ‘incident’ I arrived at the bus stop as usual on my way to work the early shift as a produce manager at Kroger supermarket. Not a prestigious occupation by any stretch of the imagination but it is an honest living, and one I rather enjoy because it does not allow for a lot of pointless chit-chat with co- workers or customers. The normal cast of characters was at the bus stop that morning two weeks ago…an older one legged housekeeper named Penelope, a middle aged Asian man who works at a family owned shoe repair store in the downtown area, and a variety of day laborers traveling to destinations unknown.

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Penelope has been a staple at this bus stop six out of seven mornings since I began traveling by bus. Throughout the years we have spoken once in awhile, mostly morning pleasantries about the weather, but I learned from her talks with others at the stop that she lost her right leg just below the knee as a child in her home country. Apparently her father accidentally ran over her with a tractor as she was playing tag with her older brother in the sugarcane fields. Thom, the Asian shoe shop man, talks incessantly to anyone that will listen, but I could not begin to tell you anything about him other than what I already have. He became a regular at the stop about a year ago, and I do everything in my power to avoid him. Thom is a man with constant problems, and a constant need to tell people about them. I suppose in his own way he may be a nice man. However, my life, until recently, has been carefully designed to be as problem free as humanly possible, so I have no desire to listen to other’s issues.

I saw him as the bus approached the stop that morning two weeks ago. Several things went through my mind as I watched him sitting at the rear of the bus…is someone playing a joke on me, is it simply a coincidence that someone is dressed in all white wearing a white hat, or am I just seeing things. As quickly as these thoughts went through my mind, I realized that I had never told anyone of the man in white that haunts my dreams. No one could have played this incredibly cruel joke on me, because no one knew about the man in white. My next hope that someone was simply dressed in all white was quickly dashed as I realized that just like in my dreams I could not see the man’s face. That left the final option, and the one I was so reluctant to face, that I was seeing things. I have no family history of dementia, schizophrenia, or hallucinations, so the possibility I was experiencing any of these left me paralyzed with fear.

At the moment as the bus came to a complete stop, I was only vaguely aware of the customers exiting and entering the bus. My entire being was absorbed by the man in white sitting on the back of the bus. So frozen in time was I that not even Penelope could roust me from my trance…”Eliot, the bus is here. Eliot!” In the end her need to be to work on time outweighed her need to make sure the man she barely knew, though he was at the bus stop every morning, got on the bus. That morning I never did get on the bus. I also never took my eyes off the man in white. As the bus slowly pulled away from the stop, the man in white’s head methodically turned to face me and he nodded. Still unable to see his face I watched as the brim of his oversized hat went up and down as he nodded. To this day I can not tell you how long I stood frozen at the bus stop after the bus rolled away. It could have been thirty seconds or three hours. My next conscious moment of awareness occurred as the cab I decided to take to work turned into the Kroger parking lot. All day long I could not get the man in white off my mind. How was it possible that the man in white…the goddamned man in white who had been part of my dreams for as long as I could remember suddenly manifest himself into my waking reality?

Testicles & Poop

Now that I've grabbed your attention from the very intriguing title I will do what I can to keep it. For any new readers I would like to caution you that I live by the philosophy that it is better to laugh than cry. For all my loyal followers I would like to remind you of my philosophy, and beg of you to keep it in mind as you read the following.

Yet another of the most uncomfortable times of my life occurred recently at the local learning center where I work part time.

As I prepared to work with my first student of the day, I also prepared myself mentally for what I knew was coming, as I had worked with the student several times before. The child has Down's Syndrome, and based on my time spent coaching Special Olympics for the past five years, I would describe him as low to medium functioning. The time arrives and in he walks/runs/hobbles over to my table. I know immediately that something is different about the student, because never before has he showed any trouble walking.

I did not have to wait long to find out what was different about the young man of 7 years old. In the past the student has had a very difficult time pronouncing even one syllable words, yet as he arrived at my table he happily announced to me, "I went to the doctor." Though slightly taken aback that an entire sentence had been spoken by him I replied, "Oh yeah...are you okay?" Why I set myself up like this I still wonder, but he instantly and loudly replied while pointing to his crotch in a room full of other students and instructors, "MY TESTICLES!"

Needless to say I nearly choked to death on my morning coffee that I happened to be sipping at the time. With every eye in the entire room on me now all I could think to say was, "OOOOkay." He would go on to point to his crotch and loudly say "TESTICLES!" a few more times before settling down. The only real positive to come of the situation is that I now knew why he was walking oddly.

For the next 15-20 minutes the young man worked very hard, and I mistakenly thought the worst was over. It was shortly after this wonderful thought crossed my mind that the young man's head snapped up and he announced, "I gotta poop." He was up and hobbling to the restroom before I had even processed what he had just said. As he was gone I sat there grateful for the peace and quiet. I checked the clock while he was gone to find that I unbelievably still had another 20 minutes to go before the end of the instructional hour. It would turn out to be the longest 20 minutes of my life. He returned from the restroom, and within about 10 seconds I realized that something had gone horribly wrong. I'm not sure what the young man's restroom experience was, but what I can state with certainty is that for the next 20 minutes of my life I felt as if I were living and breathing from inside a dirty diaper.

As the hour ended, I quickly got up and went to tell the center's director that I thought the young man had used the bathroom on himself. Her reply, "You can't be serious." to which I said "Sadly, I am." She looked at the student who was strolling bowlegged towards the exit door, looks back at me, and says, "Well you know he had surgery on his testicles 2 days ago." With that comment I clocked out and left the building. I do love teaching!

Patience is a Virtue!

In recent weeks at my part time job at a local learning center I was told that a mother of a young special needs student requested that I be the only instructor to work with her son from now on. I would like to attribute her request to the fact that I'm such a great instructor and that I work well with student's that have special needs, but unfortunately I think I was just a victim of circumstance and luck. The young man is around 7 years old and has Down's Syndrome. He is rather notorious at the learning center for being difficult to deal with, and very few other instructors ever even have the chance to teach this student anything because his behavior is so erratic.

Since I do not typically work with students of his age or course of study (beginning reader) I never had to work with this particular student, but had witnessed the chaos he often created each Saturday morning. Well...it so happens that about a month ago I went into work on a Saturday morning to find that this student had been assigned to my table. Even though I had never been trained in beginner reading instruction I was told that basically the decision makers had decided to see how he would work with me since everyone else had been largely unsuccessful in dealing with him and his behaviors. That's right...I was the LAST option!

As the student entered that Saturday morning all eyes were on my table anxious to witness the disaster that was sure to ensue. Amazingly, the anticipated disaster never occurred. As most educators quickly realize, many students react to and behave differently for different teachers. On this particular day the student was a complete joy. He read books to me, he wrote, he did math, he remained seated, and his overall behavior was impeccably perfect. Everyone, including me, was pleasantly surprised at how well the student did. The information was shared with his mother, and of course she requested that he only work with me from now on. The next two weeks were a repeat performance of his spectacular debut with me...and then yesterday happened.

The first fifteen minutes of the instructional hour began as the others had. The student was well behaved and completed his work, and then came the chaos. The remainder of the hour was mostly a blur of objects being thrown, screaming, and yours truly being made very uncomfortable. I'm still clueless as to what set this kid off, but before I even had time to really react the student had left his seat, walked around the table to where I was seated, opened my cabinet drawer, and began throwing transparencies all over the place. Momentarily I was fixated on the absolute joy expressed in his young face as he gleefully threw the objects, and it left me speechless. I could only watch as he tossed transparencies with overwhelming joy. Soon enough I had regained my composure and was able to get him to stop. Not more than 10 seconds after I had stopped that throwing fit, he seemed to see all the materials on the table that he had been working on for the first time. As you have probably guessed he began throwing all of those things off the front of the table. With the much needed aid of a co-worker we were able to get the student seated again and back to work...at least for a very brief time. Not too long after that I was beraded with a chorus of "NO'S!!" everytime I asked him to complete a task. The volume and intensity of his refusals grew with each of my demands.

Some time around this point I vaguely remember wondering if I would be fired if I just got up, clocked out, and left the building. In the end I decided to stay since there was only about 10 minutes left in the instructional hour, and I figured what can really go wrong in 10 minutes. As it turns out...a lot. Once again with 'ninja like' quickness the student had left his seat and was standing beside me. Trying to make the best of the situation I said something like, "OK...you can stand here if you want, but we have to do some work." To this the student replied, "NOOOO!!" The next thing that happened completely threw me for a loop. The student, while he was already attempting to do this, says to me, "Let me sit in your lap." As anyone who knows me will tell you I'm not the touchy-feely type, and my initial impulse was to pick the kid up and throw him across the room. Instead I finally got my turn to say, "NOOOOOO!!!" Not one to easily take no for an answer the student spent the last 5 minutes of the instructional hour trying unsuccessfully to sit in my lap. I wish I had video footage that I could attach to this blog so everyone could see the 'trying to climb in your lap/me continually moving out of the way' dance that occurred between the two of us. It was a very uncomfortable hour in my life, but my hope is that my loyal readers will get a chuckle from this story. Patience is indeed a virtue!!!

When is Enough Enough?

As anyone in the education business knows teachers in today's schools are called upon to be all things to all students, but at what point is enough enough? I would assume that most people that choose this profession do so primarily because they want to make some sort of difference in the lives of our students, but when is enough enough? I completely understand that teaching at the middle school level brings with it all sorts of unique challenges not faced by educators teaching K-5 or high school, but how many times do you tell a student to correct the errors of their ways, how many opportunities do you provide them to do the right thing, and how much of yourself do you give to this occupation and your students before you say enough is enough?

How is it possible that our society has helped to create students so screwed up that the teachers care more about our their futures than they do? I, along with so many of my colleagues, give so much of ourselves each and everyday to our students simply because as educators we care about every single student that enters our classroom. The unfortunate, and terribly tragic, other side of this story is that we teach some students that could care less about themselves, their future, or anything else of substance. As educators we can easily blame parents, some of which should not even be allowed to raise a guinea pig, much less a human being. We could easily blame a pop culture and society that places more value on the ability to dunk a basketball or run fast, than it does on simply being able to read. The bottom line is that we could blame people and circumstances forever, and it still will not change the fact that some of our students JUST DO NOT CARE!

This forces me to put in writing what I have been asking myself for several weeks now...

If I have students that do not care about themselves, their future, their education, anything of substance, or even care about the fact that I care about those things for them then what the hell am I doing in the classroom? It certainly isn't for the large checks I receive each month (Enter: heavy sarcasm), nor is it the copious amounts of free time afforded to me by this line of employment (Enter: laugh out loud sarcasm). I entered this profession to make a positive impact in the lives of my students, and to help them to not make the same mistakes I made at their age. For some I have had success, but the little dirty secret that no ones talks about with teaching is this...most educators, even if they have had a positive impact on one million students, will be driven to the brink of insanity by the one they could never reach.

Enough may very well be enough for this guy!

Dear Parents...

This blog was originally intended to be about the lack of respect many students exhibit in today's classrooms and in many ways it still is, but after recent events I have decided instead to write a letter to all the parents of those students we try so hard to educate every day.

If you're a parent who has raised a wonderfully well behaved, respectful, studious student that cares about his or her education I, along with every other educator across the world, thanks you from the bottom of our teaching hearts. There is no need for you to read any further, unless you're interested in how other parents are raising their children.
The rest of this letter is for every parent that may believe, however misguided, that they are doing a wonderful job raising their precious child and/or for those parents that are completely and utterly clueless as to how to raise a child to be a productive member of a civilized society.

When your child has been attending a middle school that has had the same uniform policy for 3 years, and you still send them to school looking like Stevie Wonder dressed them you're not helping your child.

When a teacher calls a parent we know is unemployed after 2:00 in the afternoon, and we wake you up, you're not helping your child.

When a teacher repeatedly requests a parent conference throughout the entire 9 weeks and is ignored until their precious child comes home with an F DELUXE REPORT CARD ROYALE W/CHEESE...you're not helping your child.

When you actually do decide to show up to a parent/teacher conference and walk in wearing house slippers and a robe, you're not helping your child.

If your precious child could care less whether we call you or not to discuss their bad behavior, you have failed as a parent.

If your child has been raised to not understand how to follow simple directions and rules this is a direct reflection of you. In this case you are once again not helping your child, and have in fact failed as a parent.

If your precious child has been told every single day to either stop talking, stop chewing gum, listen, ...etc, then it boils down to one of three things. 1) Your precious child is in fact a blazing idiot that will not function well in life and will end up being supported by children of parents who knew how to raise them correctly 2) Your precious child is a blazing idiot to stupid to understand things a dog can easily comprehend 3) Your precious child takes after you!

If anything in this letter has offended you take a guess as to what type of parent you are. If this letter has amused and delighted you then you're an awesome parent.

Where Did Respect Go?

That's the title of my upcoming blog, but it's not quite ready yet. I have a lot to say about this subject, and it is going to take a bit longer to make sure I word it just right so as not to offend anyone. I'll post on Facebook when this future masterpiece is ready!!